The Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type were introduced in 1955 as replacements for the aging Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Bentley R-Type. These new models featured sleeker bodywork on a separate box-section chassis, with improved brakes, suspension, and electrically controlled damping. The engine saw enhancements, including an increased displacement to 4,887cc and a new six-port cylinder head, delivering undisclosed power output.
Both Rolls-Royce and Bentley shared the same engine specifications for the first time. Automatic transmission became standard, with manual transmission available as a Bentley-only option until 1957.
The S1, with its timeless elegance, offered a combination of speed, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in maintenance, making it arguably the most user-friendly Bentley of the post-war era, especially when compared to its V8-powered successors.
Source: Bonhams
